Turkish police yesterday detained 14 noncommissioned officers of the National Intelligence Directorate (MİT), for their alleged links to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).

One more suspect remains at large. The suspects were all employees at MİT's Signal Intelligence Department and were identified with the help of former intelligence officials, who were detained in earlier operations against FETÖ's infiltration of the directorate. A remorse law grants suspects reduced sentences if they collaborate with authorities and give detailed information regarding the terrorist groups' activities.

With arrest warrants issued by the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office, police carried out operations in Turkey's seven provinces to capture the suspects. They were being questioned when Daily Sabah went to print. Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that five of the suspects were in active duty at MİT, and 10 others were earlier reassigned to their military units.

The Signal Intelligence Department consists of military officers, who are commonly employed by the nonmilitary intelligence agency for temporary jobs. Five active-duty soldiers among the suspects were reported to the investigators by the intelligence directorate itself for their suspected links to the terrorist group.

FETÖ, which expanded its clout in Turkey over the past three decades, is known for its wide network of infiltrators in law enforcement, the military, the judiciary and bureaucracy.